Redblacks excelling at home, put mark on line vs. Roughriders

The well-rested Ottawa Redblacks will look to remain perfect at home on Thursday when they return from their bye to host the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Redblacks (5-2) have won three in a row overall and all four games in Canada's capital. Ottawa has been idle since cruising to a convincing 33-6 victory over the Calgary Stampeders on July 26.

"We're 5-2, but we're certainly not perfect," Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce said, per the Ottawa Citizen. "On our (locker room) wall is the word ‘Finish,' and that's what we have to do. We have to finish drives."

Dru Brown completed a season-high 30 of his 37 pass attempts for 325 yards and a touchdown versus the Stampeders.

The Redblacks appear poised to see a few familiar faces return to the field, including linebacker Frankie Griffin. He is in line to play following a three-game absence due to a hip injury.

Griffin will set his sights on the West Division co-leading Roughriders (5-3), who dropped their second straight decision and third in four games following a 42-31 setback to the previously winless Edmonton Elks on Saturday.

Saskatchewan quarterback Shea Patterson was named the CFL Honor Roll's top offensive player on Tuesday after throwing for 306 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for another versus Edmonton. KeeSean Johnson had six catches for 72 receiving yards while Ajou Ajou and Mitchell Picton each reeled in a scoring strike for the Roughriders.

Offense wasn't the issue, however, for Saskatchewan. The Roughriders saw their stingy rushing defense gashed for 276 yards on the ground.

"It was embarrassing. Somewhat of a wake-up call," Saskatchewan defensive lineman Micah Johnson said, per the Regina Leader-Post.

"It's one of those types of games where everybody has to look in the mirror and know we've got to be better across the board. When you lose like that, it's not just one player, one person, one reason; it's multiple reasons across the board."

--Field Level Media